Sky High Skiing

What do you get when you mix 6 inches of fresh snow, an essentially deserted ski resort, and put it all together in the Alps of Switzerland? A darn good time, that's what you get.

My family and I skied a full two days at Engelberg's Titliss ski resort. With new snow fall everynight totaling plus 6 inches, it goes without saying that the conditions were perfect.

I personally haven't skied in over 2 years as a result of an accident during my Senior year high school spring break that involved myself, a tree, high speed down hill skiing, and over confidence in my abilities. However, after a few hours on the slopes and one or two humorous 'sudden stops' I was back on the slopes shredding it up.

The part that made this skiing experience so unique and memorable (aside from the fact it was in Switzerland!) was that there are absolutely no slope boundaries. Meaning, that if I think my skis can take me there, nothing is going to stop me from exploring every inch of snow covered terrain. 'Danger, Avalanche Warning' signs did little to deter such exploration and in fact seemed to encourage everyone in the park to actually ski beyond it (of course I personally headed such notices...)

Rachel managed well with slow and steady skiing despite her leg's handicap. She of course couldn't pull the daredevil card this trip, but she atleast managed to get out on the slopes and enjoy the experience.

After visiting and skiing in such a manner, state-side east coast 'ice skiing' is pretty much going to seem pointless. I'm spoiled.

As far as the location and scenic side of everything...its hard to put into words. I posted a good many pictures taken by all family members and you simply need to look at them. Aruba is probably my favorite beach location but Engelberg, Switzerland now holds the distinguished award as my favorite mountainous region.

We're currently headed back on our Eurolines 'scenic' rail bound for Brussels Central. I'm happy to report that the sun is out and that the temperatures are breaking 60 for the 2nd time here in Belgium. I'm hoping that such weather will stay because now that my snow skiing adventures are finished for the season I feel the need to sport nothing aside from a bathing suit and sunglasses here on out.

Thursday, following a Finance exam, my family and I are bound for Paris. This will be my second time in the 'City of Lights' and hopefully I'll see a slightly different side of the culture as my budget extends a bit further as my parents are currently covering the check.

Hope all is well!

All good; all the time,

Thomas

ReUnited, No thanks to United

I groggily arose from sleep at 6:55 AM after Andrew, my roommate, yelled at me to cut my alarm off. I donned my workout gear and continued about my morning routine of starting the coffee pot. I was preparing myself mentally for an early morning jog when I decided to check the flight status of my family's Atlantic flight to Brussels. The flight status nearly made me drop my mug when I read 'arrived' flashed across the screen...2 hours early.

I quickly dialed the United Airlines number via Skype connection and asked for operator assistance in determining if in fact flight 5620 had landed almost a full two hours early. She confirmed it. I pressed the escape button, ending the call and stared blankly at my computer screen for a few seconds. I was trying to think. What to do? I quickly threw on a different set of clothes, stomped on my Georgia boots, and flew out the door in a desperate attempt to get to Brussels Central Platform before my folks.

As luck would have it, the United operator was so far off target with her estimate that it caused me to spend 3 hours wandering aimlessly between platforms 2,4, and 6 of Grand Centarale station of Brussels.

Ultimately I was reunited my family and not a moment too soon.

We headed to my apartment, dropped of some of their gear, and went out in search of a bite to eat before our departure to Luxembourg.

Walking through the city, catching up, and onlooking as my family experienced many of the same initial culture shock moments that I went through upon my arrival was as much as I'd hoped for. I've been greatly anticipating the their arrival and was just as excited to see them as I think they were to see me.

Later in the afternoon we boarded a high speed train destined for Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

Upon our arrival the sun had already set and it was raining (what else is new?). We checked into our regal hotel seated not far from many of the European Union buildings located in the capital city. Due to the late hour many of the businesses and food establishments were closed so we opted for some oriental and took our time to continue catching up with each other.

We turned in early and got a jump on our trip to Engelberg, Switzerland.

As the high speed train pulls us closer and closer to the Swiss Alps I can feel my excitement to do a little skiing growing.

Can't wait to see what comes next!

All good; all the time,

Thomas